Ancient Methods for Alleviating Symptoms of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Traditional Chinese medicine offers effective treatment methods and medicinal diet remedies for seasonal allergies.

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Pollens’ prevalence in the spring and early summer gives rise to various allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis, which causes distress for many people. Several simple traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) acupressure techniques and medicinal diets can be implemented to improve and alleviate the symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also known as pollen allergies, occurs when the immune system mistakenly perceives harmless substances like tree pollen as harmful invaders. According to the Mayo Clinic, this immune response involves antibodies binding to the allergens in an attempt to protect the body.

The chemicals released by the immune system induce allergic symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and watery eyes. In severe cases, it can lead to breathing difficulties and asthma.

Extended Pollen Season and Increased Pollen Count

In North America, trees produce the most pollen from March to May. However, a study published in Environmental Sciences found that between 1990 and 2018 the pollen season lengthened, with a 21 percent increase in pollen count. The greatest increases were observed in Texas and the Midwest, where tree pollen levels rose more significantly than those of other plants.

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, in 2021 alone, approximately 67 million adults and 14 million children in the United States suffered from seasonal allergic rhinitis.

Dr. Yang Jingduan, founder and medical director of the Yang Institute of Integrative Medicine and professor at The University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, explained to The Epoch Times that allergic rhinitis often has a genetic predisposition—if a person’s parents or siblings suffer from seasonal allergies, they are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis.

This genetic factor can activate mast cells (which assist the immune system) or inadequately break down histamine in the bloodstream (which regulates the nerves), leading to respiratory allergies. Once symptoms develop, they tend to be more severe, Dr. Yang said.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments for Allergic Rhinitis

Ritsugaku Ken, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner at the Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinic of Kurashiki Heisei Hospital in Japan, told The Epoch Times that in TCM, allergic rhinitis is believed to be primarily related to weaknesses in the lungs, spleen, and kidneys, as well as dysfunctions in the internal organs, along with external factors.

In terms of treatment methods, TCM typically employs holistic therapy, herbal medicine, and acupoint therapy, all of which have shown significant effectiveness.

A study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine indicated that after eight weeks of treatment using Chinese herbal medicine, patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis experienced significantly lower severity in both nasal and non-nasal symptoms compared to the control group.

In the Chinese herbal medicine treatment group, 60.7 percent of patients showed moderate to significant improvement, compared to 29.6 percent in the control group.

Acupressure has long been used as a treatment method in TCM. The human body has several acupoints related to the nasal cavity, such as the Yintang and Yingxiang acupoints. Massaging or needling these acupoints can quickly relieve nasal symptoms.

In a German study, 41 seasonal allergic rhinitis patients were trained in acupressure to assess four nasal symptoms: sneezing, rhinorrhoea (nasal discharge), nasal congestion, and nasal itching.

After four weeks of self-administered acupressure, participants experienced a reduction in all four nasal symptoms compared to the control group. Seventy-six percent of the patients found the acupressure treatment “effective or very effective,” while 88 percent reported being “very satisfied or satisfied.”

Another study indicated that individuals who practiced self-administered acupressure found it useful for allergic rhinitis and suggested its use for self-care. Additionally, the study did not find any adverse effects related to acupressure. Therefore, the researchers concluded that acupressure is a feasible and safe self-administered treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis.

2 Acupoints for Improving Allergic Rhinitis

Mr. Ken recommends massaging two acupoints for significant symptom relief.

Yingxiang Acupoint

The Yingxiang acupoint is located in a small depression on the outer edge of the nostril. Massaging this acupoint can improve symptoms such as nasal congestion and a runny nose.

• Use your index finger to press and massage this acupoint until you feel soreness or swelling in the area.
• Repeat the pressing and releasing motion for three to five minutes, two to four times daily.

Location of Yingxiang acupoint. The Epoch Times

Yintang Acupoint

The Yintang acupoint is located in the depression between the eyebrows. Massaging this acupoint can be beneficial for relieving nasal congestion.

• Stack the middle fingers of both hands, press this acupoint for six seconds, and then release.
• Repeat this pressing motion 10 times.

Mr. Ken emphasized that Chinese herbal medicine treatment and acupuncture therapy should be administered by a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner based on individual health conditions.

Location of Yintang acupoint. The Epoch Times

Medicinal Diets Beneficial for Allergic Rhinitis

Traditional Chinese medicine adheres to the principle of the homology of medicine and food, meaning that medicinal herbs are also considered dietary ingredients. The Zen Heart Medicine Service in Taiwan introduces two medicinal recipes and one tea that nourishes the spleen and kidney, which can improve allergic rhinitis:

Yu Ping Chicken

Ingredients:

• 2.12 ounces (60 grams) Astragalus (Huangqi)
• 1.06 ounces (30 grams) Atractylodes (Baizhu)
• 0.71 ounces (20 grams) Saposhnikovia root (Fangfeng)
• 1 chicken

Preparation:

1. Clean the chicken thoroughly, removing any internal organs.
2. Stuff the chicken with all the medicinal herbs.
3. Add water and simmer the chicken for one to two hours.

Effects: Nourishes the kidneys and strengthens the spleen.

Chinese Yam Paste

Ingredients:

• 5.29 ounces (150 grams) Chinese yam
• 10 pieces of jujubes

Preparation:

1. Peel and chop the Chinese yam.
2. Remove the pits from the jujubes.
3. Place the yam and jujubes together in a dish, and steam them until cooked.
4. Mash the cooked ingredients into a paste before serving.

Effects: Strengthens the spleen and nourishes the lung.

Ginger Walnut Tea

Ingredients:

• 3 slices of fresh ginger
• 0.07 ounces (2 grams) of walnut kernels

Preparation:

1. Boil the walnut kernels in water.
2. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Add the fresh ginger and simmer for an additional five minutes.
4. Remove from heat and serve as tea.

Effects: Nourishes the kidneys and dispels cold.

Note: Some herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but are generally available in health food stores and Asian grocery stores. It is important to note that treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. Please consult with a health care professional for a specific treatment plan.